In today's hyper-polarized world, even the simple act of clicking "follow" on social media can be construed as a political statement.
It's baffling, frankly. I've had friends, acquaintances, even family members question my social media follows, particularly when those follows include controversial figures.
The assumption, more often than not, is that by following a particular person, especially someone polarizing like a controversial president, I'm somehow endorsing their views, their policies, their entire existence. I'm here to tell you that that assumption is not only flawed, but dangerously simplistic.
Let's be clear: following someone on social media does not equal agreement. It doesn't mean I condone their actions, share their values or even remotely like them. For me, and I suspect for many others, it's about something far more fundamental: staying informed and engaging with the world around me. (Let me also be clear that I don't use social media randos as a primary news source. I still rely on actual broadcast and print journalism.)
In this digital age, social media has become a primary platform for disseminating information, especially from public figures. Official announcements, policy updates, and even breaking news often appear first on platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
If I want to know what's happening in my country, if I want to understand the rationale behind decisions that directly impact my life, isn't it logical to follow the official sources, regardless of my personal feelings about the individuals behind them?
Imagine a scenario where a controversial president announces a new economic policy via Twitter. If I choose to bury my head in the sand and refuse to follow them because I disagree with their politics, I'm essentially choosing to remain ignorant of a decision that could significantly affect my finances, my job or even my future. That's not a responsible or informed way to live.
Furthermore, following controversial figures allows me to hear their arguments directly, unfiltered by possible media spin or partisan commentary. While I certainly value diverse perspectives from journalists and analysts (though cable news shouting matches are too theatrical for my taste), I also believe in the importance of forming my own opinions based on primary sources.
By directly accessing the information a leader disseminates, I can critically analyze their statements, identify potential biases and draw my own conclusions. This is a far more empowering and intellectually honest approach than relying solely on second-hand interpretations.
The criticism I often receive is rooted in the idea that following someone controversial somehow normalizes their behavior or amplifies their message. I understand the concern, but I believe the opposite is true. By engaging with their content, I can participate in the public discourse, challenge their arguments, and hold them accountable. Silence and avoidance only allow misinformation and harmful rhetoric to proliferate unchecked.
Moreover, the idea that I'm somehow "endorsing" someone simply by consuming their content is frankly absurd. I read articles from news sources I disagree with all the time. I watch documentaries that challenge my preconceived notions. Does that mean I endorse everything I consume? Of course not! It means I'm actively engaging with different perspectives and trying to understand the world around me in a more nuanced way.
I understand the impulse to curate your social media feed into an echo chamber of like-minded individuals. It's comfortable and validating. But I believe true growth and understanding come from venturing outside of that comfort zone and engaging with ideas that challenge our own.
So, the next time you see someone following a controversial figure on social media, resist the urge to jump to conclusions. Consider the possibility that they, like me, are simply trying to stay informed, engage in critical thinking, and fulfil their civic duty as responsible citizens. It's not about endorsement, it's about enlightenment. And in a world as complex and interconnected as ours, that's more important than ever.